Disability access to Deal train station will be improved thanks to a £105,000 grant.

The cash from the Department for Transport's Access for All Programme will bring improved lighting, surfaces and vehicular access to the "downside" of the station, known locally as the Ramsgate-bound platform from London Road.

The pot of money is for access improvements to train stations across the country and the bid was submitted by Deal Town Council with Network Rail and Southeastern Railways.

The news of its success came last week and followed a knockback from the Step Free Access programme for cash for a lift to the footbridge.

This would allow for easier access to the Ramsgate platform from the ticket office.

Presently wheelchair users have to leave the station after buying their tickets and make their way to the London Road access, a distance of about 250 metres.

The authority says it remains committed to securing major funding for a lift to the footbridge. But in the meantime the lower cost "modest and important improvements" provided by this round of funding will "greatly assist" people with access and mobility problems.

Cllr Ben Bano, chairman of DTC’s transport and infrastructure committee, said: "This is brilliant news for those who have difficulties in accessing the station. Whether using the train for work or pleasure, it will provide much needed opportunities for people with mobility issues.

"Our thanks are due to all our partner agencies who helped to bring this about."

DTC has match funded the grant with £5000, allocated in January.

The precise details of the work to be carried out will be determined in the coming months between DTC, Southeastern and Network Rail, which will deliver the project.

A fundamental part of the works includes moving the vehicular access gate by about 40 metres to allow for vehicular access to the downside track.

Neil Priest, programme manager for the Department of Transport said: "We are committed to ensuring that disabled people have the same access to transport services and opportunities to travel as other members of society."

Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke had also supported the cause, having met senior managers, David Statham, of Southeaster, and Paul Harwood of Network Rail.

She said: “We worked so hard to secure High Speed trains for our area. It is just as important for everyone to feel safe and comfortable when they use them and that stations are more accessible.

“That’s why when I met with managers at the rail firms I pressed for maintenance and improvement works to be carried out as quickly as possible.

“I also want our trains to be as affordable as possible – and I have been taking this up with ministers at the Department for Transport.”

Rail firms say many stations in the UK network were built in the Victorian era when there was little consideration of accessibility issues.

The Access For All funding is used to upgrade these types of stations with lifts and other accessibility improvements.

The decision about which schemes receive funding is made by the DfT, with support from Network Rail and train operating companies.

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